Online Gambling
Regulation Prospects Look Good in France

For as long as anyone can remember, online
gambling has been on the rocks in Europe. And when I say "rocks", I don't mean
like in the U.S. In Europe, it hasn't been so much about making online gambling
illegal because of so-called moral issues, as it has because of gambling
monopolies. Oh wait, then again, the moral issues in the U.S. are being funded
by the religious right. Nonetheless, in Europe, the whole grey area of online
gambling is increasingly becoming black and white.

Alot of this "clearing things up" in Europe can be
credited to the European Union's no-nonsense Compliance Commission, Charlie
McCreevy, who has been very vocal and active about ensuring open trade amidst
the sea of state-run casino gambling monopolies in Europe. One of the largest of
these monopolies is the Francaise des Jeux of France. Widely in the news of
late, France has shown signs of a willingness to comply with EU rules, but is
ultimately blocking online casinos and gambling sites from doing business with
French citizens.

It would be one thing if the countries being eyed
by McCreevy did not have gambling monopolies in place. But that just isn't the
case. And although some EU member State's claim they are protecting their
citizens, McCreevy doesn't buy it. The hard-nosed Commissioner has always been
vocal about urging countries to change their policies. His most recent warning
came at the European Policy Centre meeting in Brussels, stating that it is
"inevitable" some EU members will find themselves in the European Court of
Justice.

Ten member nations are currently in the hot seat
with McCreevy, including France, Sweden, Germany, Greece, Denmark and The
Netherlands. As mentioned, France has shown both promise and adamant defiance.
The former, however, seems to especially be the case now that France will soon
have a new President. According to French press, the incoming Sarkozy
administration has definite plans to liberate the online gambling industry in
France.

Even the Partouche casino group confirmed the
rumors, and more surprisingly, welcomed the news. And surely if France steps up
to regulate internet betting, other EU member states will open to the
possibility of doing the same.